Crying over here! Is it time to remove this thing!?

[Anglkrys2 24]

So since my lapband last April, I have lost 37 lbs. which I found great. I only needed to lose 50 more. When it was first put on, I struggled and started to lose a lot of hair. My dr put me on Biotin, more Vitamin D and had me increase my Protein Shakes. Well in January, I landed in the hospital with esophagus spams! Thought it was a heart attack! I had to have all my Fluid out. Now not only have I gained 7 lbs but my hair is falling out even worse! I'm serious when I tell you that I have nothing left(for me)! I have always had thick hair and now it is paper thin! I can actually see through it!! I'm taking all my Vitamins and my shakes! I'm still getting some spasms but no where near as bad! Am I missing something? Anyone have any of this happen to them? I want to be healthy for my 4 kids but being bald and having chest pains is not what I signed up for. This sucks so bad!! I'm so depressed! Please anyone have anything POSITIVE ADVICE? I can't handle nasty mean people right now! EVEN MY HUSBAND NOTICED MY HAIR! (Ladies they never notice things like that, right?! LOL :'( ...)

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I'm very sorry you're struggling and going through so much.

Has your band position been checked via barium swallow?

What caused the esophageal spasms?

Have you seen a nutritionist recently?

Have you seen your PCP?

[TriciaLN 177]

Ohhh honey...I'm so sorry your going through such a hard time with your band. I can't comment much on what your going through other than to say my hubby noticed my hair getting thinner too. My hair has always been full, but now it's thin and light. I take Biotin pills also to try to help it. Sorry I can't be much help, but I had to comment and let you know that I'm sure others are going through or have gone through the same things. Hang in there! I wish you all the best.

[Anglkrys2 24]

I have had the Barium test. I haven't seen my pcp and yes I've talked to the nutritionist. All they keep saying is Protein. Besides eating nothing but meat I'm eating it!

[Anglkrys2 24]

Thank you so much Tricia. How are you doing? Can I ask you what your eating (examples)? Maybe I can try something different.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I have had the Barium test. I haven't seen my pcp and yes I've talked to the nutritionist. All they keep saying is Protein. Besides eating nothing but meat I'm eating it!

I would go see your PCP. This long after surgery you shouldn't be having such severe hair loss. I think it's really important to make sure there's not something totally unrelated to food or the band going on.

How much Biotin are you taking daily?

How much Protein are you eating daily?

[TriciaLN 177]

Thank you so much Tricia. How are you doing? Can I ask you what your eating (examples)? Maybe I can try something different.

I've lost 52 pounds so far and it's been 7 months. I go back next week to the doc to hopefully add to that number...lol. I usually eat a Protein bar for Breakfast or scrambled eggs with some cheese and milk. All have a good amount of Protein. You might could try yogurt too. Try your best to keep your protein intake up and drink plenty of Water. Maybe talk to your doc about upping your Biotin mg per day.

Again...I'm still learning about my band and what things I need to eat and what I really shouldn't. I wish I could help more. Sorry.

Good Luck to you.

[Banjo257 920]

Wish I could advise, but all I can do is wish you well.

[Jack 855]

I have had a series of esophageal issues which have seemed related to being too tight and making ever-so-slight mechanical mistakes in eating which provoked 'issues'.

hair grows back but the question really 'what caused it to fall out?'

You've got good weight loss over a decent time period. I would certainly enlist my Band team of professionals to make a good diagnosis to get an answer.

I had several barium swallows and an endoscopy over a 12 month period to get some answers.

My own 'best choice' was they removed about .6 cc in my 4 cc band (yes, I have the antique version). That has resolved my 'spasm' issue but yes I have gained a few pounds.

Back up to size 46 pants from 44 but still longer term down from 56-58 day of surgery so long ago. And personally my worst day postOp still is better than my best day preOp for several years prior, due to multiple co-morbidities.

Take a good look at your options and issues, one by one, and you will be able to make a good plan for yourself.

Don't freak out too much yet. Get a DIAGNOSIS, then decide your plan.

[Anglkrys2 24]

Tricia congrats on your success. I should add eggs. I kinda got tired of them.

Missy-2500 a day Of Biotin and two Protein Shakes a day. oatmeal with Protein, fish and tuna. Good idea about pcp. Ill do that

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Tricia congrats on your success. I should add eggs. I kinda got tired of them.

Missy-2500 a day Of Biotin and two Protein shakes a day. oatmeal with Protein, fish and tuna. Good idea about pcp. Ill do that

You can up your Biotin to 5000 a day. Nature's Bounty makes them in that dosage, too. There are also hair products with Biotin in them. I use "Fall Fight", with Biotin and caffeine, specifically to lessen Hair loss and make hair thicker.

While you're eating things with good protein like fish, I would suggest actually tracking your food and counting your protein grams to make sure you're getting enough. Here's a formula to figure out about much protein a day you should be getting:

How to Calculate Your Protein Needs:

1. Weight in pounds divided by 2.2 = weight in kg

2. Weight in kg x 0.8gm/kg = protein gm

So if you weigh 231 pounds, it would be

231 / 2.2= 105

105 x 0.8= 84g of protein per day

[SunshineTexas 20]

Is there any chance the esophagus spasms are not band related? I used to get them way before the band surgery and was told it was due to stress. My job changed and they stopped. Stress also affects my hair.

Hope it gets better for you soon.

[hely88 883]

I am sorry. My mom does not have a band and she has esophagus spasms. It is really hard for her to swallow sometimes. I think it started from being on a regimum of advil. Stay strong and you can make it through to the other side!! She also has a hernia not sure if its related but both diagnosed during gi.

[hely88 883]

Just wanted to add that lots of medicines have the side effects of Hair loss. If you are on any medicines do some research on line or ask a pharmacist. I took a Fluid pill hydrocholride something and so did my mom and we both had a lot of hair loss from it.